One Woman's Gift

The beginning of the church in Philippi had everything to do with God's gift to one faithful woman. Her name - Lydia.

She just "happened" to be down by the river at the place of prayer where Paul found the assembled women. And while this "worshipper of God" was listening, God "opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul". What a gift!  (Acts 16:11-40) 

But get her response! She and her whole household were baptized. And then she urged Paul, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay." Not only did she urge, "she prevailed upon us". Assertive hospitality? This is one excited woman.

And even though Paul and Silas had some adventures before they made it to "the house of Lydia" the next morning, they did arrive and "when they saw the brethren, they encouraged them and departed".  Such a promising start this was for the church at Philippi. And what wonderful grace God gave to one faithful woman.

Father, we ask for the same gift of an open heart to Your word. We desire to be faithful and even excited about You.

In A Stormy Boat?

Whew! I sounds like there is a blow-up at the end of Acts 15. (Acts 15:22-41)  It all starts when Paul suggests to his pal Barnabas that they go back to their church planting cities and see what's going on.

Barnabas wants to take John Mark with them but "Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work". And then we get the shock!

"There occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus." Whoa! These two godly missionaries were quite human.

The grace I read here is that even with conflict and relationship problems, the men continued to trust God and serve Him. "But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord." In fact Paul was doing mighty works. "And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." He had enough trust in God and peace to keep serving Him despite troubled times. 

Lord, we need Your grace to continue loving and serving despite human conflicts and trials. Just like You could even sleep in a storm tossed boat (Mark 4:38), give us faith to trust the Father through our storms. 

On Adoption

How do you like being adopted? I don't guess we think about it too much. But God does and has. In Acts 15:1-20, Peter says clearly, "Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe." We are chosen!

Paul goes on to say in Romans 8:15, "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" How often our hearts are drawn to cry out to Daddy!

Yes, God chose to take us into His family just because He loves us. He then sent Jesus to pay the adoption fee. "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." (Galatians 4:4-5)

So Jesus is now our big brother, and we have all the privileges of living in the family of God.

Lord, show us what being Your daughter really means!

An Open Door

Can you believe the perseverance and courage of our missionaries? Paul had just been stoned in Lystra and dragged out of town - supposedly dead. "But while the disciples stood around him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe." Acts 14:20-28

I think I would have taken a day off! At Derbe they preach and make "many disciples". Then they go back to that same dangerous Lystra and Iconium (where they had been run out of town). There they were "strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God'." I'll say there were tribulations! 

But a fascinating key to their perseverance is revealed as they get back to home town Antioch. "When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles." That open door was huge to Paul!

In Colossians 4:3 Paul asked the Colossians to be "praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ". Paul clearly hoped for, asked for, and rejoiced in open doors for the Good News.

Lord, we ask You to open doors in front of us today that Your love and truth can find a home in the lives of those You love so much.

Faith for the Impossible

Whew! Our missionaries, Paul and Barnabas, barely escaped stoning in Iconium. But then in Lystra they began preaching again. One poor man started hearing them who had been totally crippled from birth. Never ever taken a step! (Acts 14:5-19)

It's when this cripple was carefully listening to Paul that "he (Paul) had fixed his gaze on him (the cripple) and had seen that he had faith to be made well...."  Whoa! The wonderful power of God to increase our faith as we truly hear His word. 

Then Paul said "with a loud voice, 'Stand upright on your feet.' And he leaped up and began to walk." 

The people could hardly believe their eyes! They now thought that the apostles must be gods and started calling Paul, Hermes, and Barnabas, Zeus. The priest of Zeus actually brought oxen and garlands to have a sacrifice in the new "gods" behalf.

Oh dear! Things were getting so out of hand that the apostles ripped their clothes and ran into the crowd crying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God". Our guys were barely able to keep that mob from going ahead with awful sacrifice.

Then, to top it all off, those old jealous Jews from Antioch and Iconium actually showed up and "having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead".

What an adventure! But the part that really grabbed me is that the man you'd call a cripple had the faith to obey, leap, and walk as he heard good news from Paul. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

Lord, help us to hear and obey. We want faith for the impossible!

God's Stamp

Paul and Barnabas had been run out of Turkish Antioch. It seems that "the word of the Lord spread through the whole region." (Acts 13:42-14:7) So jealous Jews incited even the respected God-fearing women and town leaders to expel the missionaries. It wouldn't do if some of the Jews' precious traditions were abandoned.

But the persecution didn't get these disciples down. They went on to Iconium and "were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."  In the new city they evidently spoke with such power that "a great number of Jews and Greeks believed". Even though opposition arose there also, "Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders". 

What an encouragement to have such corroboration of their message! We all love seeing prayers answered. It's like God's stamp of approval. 

Lord, teach us how You want to put Your stamp on the work we do for You.

Free, Indeed

God did it! He kept His word. He always does. 

Paul said in Acts 13:32-41 that he was preaching "the good news of the promise made to the fathers". And even though the rulers in Jerusalem recognized neither God in the flesh or Jesus' fulfillment of the prophecies read every sabbath; even though these same rulers tried to stamp out their own savior, God was faithful. 

As Paul later said, "God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus".

Of course, they had all tried to get salvation the hard way -  keeping all those rules given by Moses. But the sins were now even more obvious. 

So Paul continues, "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses..."

What joyous news. Jesus is the way to be free, indeed. Despite the incredible price, God had given His very best so we go free. God had kept His promise for all eternity. Let's daily praise His amazing love.

Paying Attention?

I have been slow to understand the importance of fearing God. That quality is the basis of Paul's first recorded sermon. To these Jews in Antioch he says it twice: "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen" and "Brethren, sons of Abraham's family, and those among you who fear God ...". Acts 13:13-41

We would do well to ask our loving Father to teach us who He really is. So often we worship a watered down perspective of God. When He describes Himself to Moses, the words are few. He just says, "I Am". Do we get it?  He is absolute, sovereign, the Ruler of all.

You know ... really important people we pay attention to. It's the guy that has the authority. We would do well to pay very close attention to what God says - especially in His word. He really means what He says. 

The bible is not optional light reading - if we have time. It is a guide to keep us from a very painful trip through this life. ("Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105)  And even better  - He will show us the road of incredible blessing. ("You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11)

Oh, what love! The wonderful result of paying attention is that as we get to know Him, we find ourselves loving Him more that we ever thought possible. 

Oh Lord, help us to know You -  the real You, Tear down the painted, fake, unworthy gods in our lives. We want to know You. 

God Wins!

Don't you love stories with good endings? In Acts 13:1-12 Barnabas and Saul begin an amazing story as they set out to "proclaim the word of God". They get to Salamis and run into this Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus (son of Jesus), who is known for giving wise counsel to the governor. When Governor Paulus calls for Barnabas and Saul so he can hear this word of God for himself, the deceitful Bar-Jesus interferes in order to keep the Governor from believing.

Suddenly Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looks the false prophet in the eye and says,"You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun." Immediately a darkness falls on the sorcerer so that he begins begging people to lead him around.

Whew! This sudden turn of events shocks the Governor. And he becomes a believer in the truth of Jesus as shared by Paul.     Yeah - God wins!

And actually that punishment to crafty Bar-Jesus is similar to what the devil is doing to all who don't believe:  "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (II Corinthians 4:4) This spiritual blindness is the true tragedy.

Lord, give us Your Holy Spirit's power and wisdom to defeat the devil's work in blinding our loved ones. We love seeing You win!

A Gift of Life

Whew! After all his mischief, Herod sure had a quick demise.  "And the people kept shouting, 'The voice of a god and not of a man!' Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died." (Acts 12:12-24) Yuck!

I noticed that he wasn't struck down because of killing James or torturing Christians. It was because "he did not give God the glory". That is evidently more important than we think!

But even though Herod and others greatly persecuted and attacked on the baby church, verse 24 reveals God's ways and means of enlargement and victory: "But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied". 

This method sounds like cells that grow and multiply to form new life - even a baby. In fact Hebrews 4:12 explains: "For the word of God is living and active ... ".

Isn't that thrilling that God's word is living and works in us, and those we share it with, to bring new life (even eternal life). This word works and grows in ways we'd never dream possible. 

Let's be women of the Word this holiday season and trust that Christ will enable us to keep birthing this new life in others. We can celebrate the Word made flesh (John 1:14) in the weeks coming up. Rich opportunities abound. Praise God for His marvelous gift of life.

Being Left Out

We sure do not like the feeling of being left out! I remember waiting for the first bell in high school and so wishing that I was in that popular group that I could see off to the side. (Oh, the lie of popularity's satisfaction!)

But speaking of being left out, there's Peter. He had just experienced a miraculous escape from prison. So he went to the house where the church was fervently praying for him. The servant girl, Rhoda, came to answer his knock at the gate and "when she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate". She must have been gone a while because "they said to her, 'You are beside yourself!' Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, 'It is his angel.' (Acts 12:12-19)

Meanwhile, the focus of their prayer meeting is still outside the gate, knocking. Amazing! I got to wondering if Peter was getting a chance to remember another time he was left out. 

When Jesus had been arrested and bound, He was led to the high priest. The "other disciple" got to go in with Jesus. (John 18:15-18) "But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in." 

Sadly, this entrance resulted in Peter's first denial: "Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, 'You are not also one of this Man's disciples, are you?' He said, 'I am not."'

However, back at Rhoda's gate "Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished". Peter was then able to tell them all of His amazing deliverance by His now precious Lord Jesus.

The postscript is also precious. Peter seems in a hurry and makes one request: "Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren." Here he is not talking about his old fishing buddy, James, who had recently been killed by Herod. He is talking about none other that Jesus' closest earthly brother (Matthew 13:55). Earlier this James had actually mocked Jesus in unbelief. (John 7:3-5). But now he has become a leader in the baby church.

How powerful and full of wonder is our Lord, who through His Holy Spirit has turned around denying Peter and doubting James into the first leaders of His body left on earth. And His body includes all of us believers. We need never to fear again being "left out".

Fervent Prayer

King Herod was sure intent on showing off in Acts 12:1-11. "And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword." Next, he had Peter arrested during the Passover feast. As "the Rock" sat in prison with 16 soldiers guarding him, "prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God."

On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, an angel suddenly appeared in Peter's cell and prodded him awake. This Brightness prompted quick dressing as they were moving out! Peter's chains fell off and grabbing his shoes and coat he hurried after the Messenger. They passed one guard station, the second guard station, the prison iron gate (which opened by itself) and ended up on the street before Peter realized this was not a dream. "When Peter came to himself, he said, 'Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.'"

What an answer to prayer! This church must have been engaged in prayer like that described in James 5:16: "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." This prayer is mentioned in verse 15 as "the prayer offer in faith".

But we know that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God ". (Romans 10:17)

Lord, we ask again for a refill of the Holy Spirit so that we desire to dive into Your word and be strengthened in faith. We want to be able to pray fervently!

The Best Gift

I may get a lot of things wrong in life. I may be confused and not know who to believe. But one thing I know. God is worthy of praise. And the ability to praise and thank Him is one of His Best Gifts. In fact it is a sign of having the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 10: 45-46, "All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God."

When Peter travels to Jerusalem to explain this unprecedented event, he says, "Therefore if God gave to them (the Gentiles) the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?"

Living in the Spirit, abiding in Christ, living as a daughter of the King is beautiful. Because He is. And it rubs off.

The beautiful sound that comes from such living is praise. Gratitude for life in its details. Giving honor to the One responsible. 

Lord, we want Your best gift. Fill us with Your Spirit today!  May our life in the Spirit be evidenced by overflowing praise.

Going Out of His Way

Cornelius was a leader of those hated Roman soldiers. But Acts 10 describes him as one "who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually". Hmm...  Surprising!

Evidently he was seeking God because the Lord went to great lengths (sent two angels, one vision, three messengers, and then Peter and friends back to Caesarea) to cross that great culture wall and get the truth to this God-fearing Gentile.  And it was sure a set up because "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message".

The result was that a whole family was added to God's kingdom ("Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?" And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ"). 

And wonderful for us - the door was opened for the good news to be spread to the Gentiles. God will go way out of His "normal" path to bring His people back to Him. 

Thank you. Lord

To See Jesus

Isn't it ironic that the Holy Spirit is often called the Comforter, but many are so afraid of Him and even reluctant to learn of Him? In Acts 9:31-43 it says, "So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.' Hey, ditto that for our church!

In this section we read that Peter is traveling to Lydda and finds Aeneas who had been paralyzed and bedridden eight years. He says, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed." Aeneas does! So .... many "turned to the Lord".

Then Peter is called to Joppa and raises Tabitha from the dead. Wow! All these who had been grieving the death of this generous seamstress must have been more than a little comforted. 

The Holy Spirit always draws us to Jesus. In these cases it is recorded that many "turned to the Lord" and many "believed in the Lord".

Father, we desire the comfort of the Holy Spirit so we can see You.

It's Beautiful!

When God does a work it is beautiful! It is thorough, costly, deep, pure and enduring.

God had gotten Saul's attention on the ground smacking, blind humbling Damascus road. (Acts 9) But Saul was going to stay 3 long years in that city until Jews started accepting that he had actually changed sides and would not kill them. Then it would be another eleven years before Saul was ready to go out and establish churches. The fiery zealous man of God had much to learn. 

He needed to know the love of this Jesus that he had met on that road. He needed to know that he was entering a tough battle and there would be troubles galore. But mostly he needed to be grounded in the truth that would set countless others free.

The man we know as Paul left some 14 letters that would inspire innumerable Christ seekers for thousands of years. The joy and hope his words give us is a treasure that endures.  

Lord, even as it takes precious time, do Your beautiful work in me.

Even Me

My, he was fired up and ready. He even had arrest warrants to go clean out those subversive Christians in Damascus! Prison and death was the only sure cure for this crazy rapidly growing attack on God's law.

And this Zealot was almost at his goal when a sudden explosive light knocked him flat. Then he 'heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do."'

(Acts 9)

Whew! God sure got his attention. Since he was now blind, Saul had to be led into Damascus and wait three long days (without food or water) for instructions. Evidently then he was ready to hear good news from a guy named Ananias and have his eyes healed and a be filled with the Holy Spirit. The turn-around was evidenced as Saul got up and was baptized.

Such an amazing story!

Lord, you can wonderful things in a life. You can intervene and cause big change in my loved ones. You can change even me.

Get Up and Go!

What an opportunity Philip had! And it was with one of the most influential leaders in Ethiopia. This guy, who was in charge of all the Queen's treasury, was on his way to Jerusalem. And the Holy Spirit prompted Philip to get up and go down to that road. (Acts 8:26-40)

Next He led Philip to join the chariot. So he did and then asked the man what he was reading. It just happened to be Isaiah's puzzling prophecy of Jesus. So Philip told the officer about Jesus and went on to explain the message of Christ in its fullness. The man was so taken with the good news that he believed and asked to be baptized.

What a great set up! But the essential key was Philip's obedience to "get up and go".

Lord, teach up to obey whether we know the whole plan or not. May we just trust that You know.

The Great Power of God

Can you believe these Samaritans? They are calling a side-show magician "the Great Power of God". There Simon is in Acts 8 and he had "for a long time astonished them with his magic arts".

But then the true great power comes to town as Phillip begins "preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ..." 

Even Simon believes and is baptized as he's "constantly amazed" with the signs and great miracles. But then Simon's true heart is revealed as he actually tries to buy this Holy Spirit. ("Sell me your secret. Show me how you did that! How much do you want! Name your price!" - The Message) Of course Peter has to soundly denounce Simon . The Holy Spirit can never be bought or sold. He is freely available to God's faithful followers.

Thank you Jesus for making available to us "the Great Power of God".

Passion for Christ

My, how quickly things can change! The baby church had been in such great favor with the people. It was growing by leaps and bounds.

But then came that awful day of Stephen's stoning. (Acts 8:1-8)  "And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles." And ironically this is when the soon to be apostle Paul (Saul) "began  ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison."

The good news is that those fleeing for their lives "went about preaching the word." Philip even went to "detestable" Samaria and proclaimed Christ. And because many were healed and freed, "there was much rejoicing in that city".

This baby church had a passion for Christ unmoved by consequences.

 Lord, fire us up to be passionate for you no matter what comes our way.

Eyes Only For God

Ever wonder how you will respond when that big crisis comes? It was sure a crisis for Stephen! (Acts 7)

He had just wonderfully summarized for the Jewish authorities a rich history of God's provision and leadership. But then he tried to wake them up to see the truth: "You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?"

Whew! It made these religious guys plenty mad - actually they went wild with anger. And Stephen who was "full of the Holy Spirit" - well he hardly noticed. ..."he only had eyes for God, whom he saw in all His glory with Jesus standing at His side." (The Message)

Whoa! Did you notice the surprise? When Jesus is described in heaven at the right hand of the Father, He is normally seated. The Lord of glory is actually standing up at this scene. Thankfully Stephen had "eyes for God" and saw it. 

Lord, may we have eyes for you so that we won't miss Your care and attention to us.

Controlling the Wind

There was a problem in the new church. Some widows from Greece were being left out when the food was served. So the twelve had the congregation select

seven men to help out. It's interesting that these men were to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. In fact Stephen was "full of faith and the Holy Spirit".

Actually later it's recorded that "Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people." However there were some men from the synagogue who were evidently jealous and started arguing with Stephen. "But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking." Acts 6:1-15

Bottom line - these synagogue guys were trying to control the wind. Jesus had already said to Nicodemus that the Spirit of God is like the wind: "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it come from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 5:8)

We would do well to remember that only Jesus controls the wind and waves and that God will have His way through His Spirit. It's time for us to cooperate with the One in charge and allow His Spirit to operate freely (especially in our own lives). 

The Change!

Can you get over the change in Jesus' friends? Only a few weeks ago they had been running and denying and locking doors in fear of their lives. After all, Jesus had been horribly killed. Who wants that!

Now in Acts 5, they are like new people. In the face of threats, suffering prison, repeated beatings, and more threats, "they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ". 

In fact they were "rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name". Wow! It is one thing to resolutely and grimly stand firm. But these guys believed they had been given an honor to suffer dishonor for His precious Name. God's Spirit had changed their life.

Lord, fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we will be new. We may even then be able to rejoice at opportunities to suffer shame for Your precious name.

The Whole Message

What a thrilling time is was for this young church in Acts 5! "Multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number.."  Also "they came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedeviled. And they all were healed." (The Message)

So the high priest and his cronies were filled with jealousy and had the apostles thrown in the town jail. 

But in the night an angel released them and commanded them, "Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life."

Well the apostles jumped right on it. And when threatened by the authorities again, they replied, "We must obey God rather than man."

Lord, give us the courage to speak Your whole message and not something watered down to please people. We ask again for loving boldness.

Amazing Show

Wow! What a drama the new church is in for in Acts 5. It seems that one of the couples (Ananias and Sapphira) had concocted a plan to lie about their gift of money for selling land. And as they one by one carry out their impressive show of generosity, Peter reveals the truth of their deception, and they fall down dead.

Whew! That got everybody's attention. "Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events."

We don't normally see such immediate consequences today for lying to the Holy Spirit. However lying and all sin results in a deadening of our spirit. "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:33) 

Let's all accept God's gift of forgiveness and life in Jesus. We can even tell someone in our path today about it!

Earthshaking Prayer

Whew! What a start. The baby church leaders had been captured by guards, thrown into prison, cross examined by authorities, and then amazingly released. I think I would have been praying for protection and God's grace to prevent that kind of thing.

But not these men of God! They pray, "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." (Acts 4:21-31)

God must get excited about this kind of prayer because "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."

Yes, God loves to send His Holy Spirit to answer our prayers for courage and boldness. Let's anticipate wonder-full earthshaking answers when we pray.

The Name Forbidden

The religious rulers thought they had those ring leaders. They'd quickly squash the crazy Jesus fanatics. The problem was that the lame man was still leaping and the people were mighty excited about the miracle done through Peter and John.. So the rulers put the two in the middle and queried, "By what power or what name did you do this?"

Then Peter (filled with the Holy Spirit) gave them an ear-full. He declared that "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed." Whew! Talk about courage!

The religious guys are astonished by Peter's boldness and really don't know what to do. So after conferring together they "commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus." Hmm....

The answer of Peter and John is one for all ages - even for us. They said, ""Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

Lord, give us the boldness to be authentic - to speak the grace-filled truth in Your Name. We look for Your courage to say Your name - even when it feels forbidden.

Showers of Blessing

Whew, what an excited crowd has mobbed together to see for themselves this leaping lame man on Solomon's porch! So Peter turns to them and cries out that they should really see this wonder as proof of the glorification of Jesus. Though they had killed Jesus, God had raised Him from the dead.  And it was faith in Jesus name that had healed this man dancing before them. (Acts 3:11-4:4)

And even though they had not know what they were doing when they rejected Jesus, now they were hearing the truth. "Now it's time to change your ways! Turn to face God so He can wipe away your sins..."

But isn't that the call to each of us. Turn and face God. So often we are running, searching - but always with our backs to God. God wants to see our face and let us learn to recognize His. Only then can He "pour out showers of blessing to refresh you". 

Something Beautiful

Wouldn't you have loved to have seen that gate called Beautiful? It was an entrance to one magnificent house of worship. And now the devout (including Peter and John) are coming to pray and honor the most Beautiful - Holy God. (Acts 3:1-10)

So what do they run into but that same old lame beggar. People have been dropping him off every day for years so he can cry out for something to live on. Not really a beautiful sight.

Maybe that's why Peter noticed him. And told him to listen up and look at them. The guy did so - only hoping for some pocket change.  

Whoa....  Did he get a surprise! Peter announced, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!"

Then reaching out a handful of faith, Peter raised the cripple up. "With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God."

And all the people saw him and "were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him."

My, what a turn-around! The disgraced is now exalting, The poor is now dancing. The lame is actually leaping for joy.

God sure loves turn-arounds. With faith and love in our lives, He can turn any of our circumstances into something beautiful.

And we say, Yes! ("I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Luke 1:38) 

Having One Mind

What a wonder-full time for the new believers after Pentecost. "Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles."(Acts 2:42-47)

It really sounds like a big party. "Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people."

What a difference that "one mind" made. When outsiders see such enthusiastic people of one mind and purpose, they notice and want to be involved. The real evangelism begins:"And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved".

Lord, give us Your Spirit of love for You and others so we may have this "one mind".

Amazing Grace

That crowd at Pentecost! Even though they had done the unimaginable (crucified their Creator), they had an advantage. They realized their dastardly deed.

"Now when they heard this (that God had made this Jesus whom they crucified both Lord and Christ), they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brethren, what shall we do?'" (Acts 2:32-41)

Our problem is that we are not getting it! The fact that Jesus died because of my sin; that my sin was the reason He laid down His life; that my sin was the cause of the greatest sacrifice ever made .... is slow to sink in.  

But when it does, we need and rejoice in the same remedy this crowd got: "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

How precious is forgiveness when you take it personally! How encouraging is the gift of the Holy Spirit when you accept Him willingly. How good is our God!

Holy Spirit Power

Peter didn't mince words. As he was talking to the crowd on Pentecost, he said that they knew God had confirmed Jesus with miracles in their midst. And "this Man ... you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death." (Acts 2:22-31)

I imagine such an introduction got their attention. Then Peter could use that familiar Psalm 16 and explain its prophecy of Jesus' resurrection. It all must have been like a light coming on in their heads. The happenings started to make sense. 

And it is all such a turn around! Here the former uneducated, denying-Christ coward is forcefully confronting and convicting one huge crowd. Really such is the change God can do in our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Lord, we need your Holy Spirit power today. Change us and encourage us to be Your message today.

The Promise

The world belittles the most valuable. For the new believers, at Pentecost the long awaited promise had come. But mockers wrote off these men speaking in different languages as merely drunkards. (Acts 2:1-21)

"That's when Peter stood up and, backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: 'Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight. These people aren't drunk as some of you suspect. They haven't had time to get drunk - its only nine o'clock th the morning. This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen..." (The Message)

So its been over 400 years since Joel had predicted the Spirit's outpouring.  And wonderfully it is happening just as he said: "I will pour out My Spirit on every kind of people". Young and old, men and women. All have the opportunity to be the residence for God. 

These Jews were used to some special leaders or significant prophets getting the gift. But now. Now the promise is for all. 

"Amazing love, How can it be?" Only through Jesus. And it is for you and me!

The Cork Flies Off!

The pressure is building. The believers had been meeting and praying and hoping and waiting in Jerusalem for that Promise. This bottling up of anticipation and prayer had been going on for weeks. (Acts 2:1-13) 

And now it is the great feast day (Pentecost). Jerusalem is full of devout seekers from "every nation under heaven". The stage is set. And the cork flies off!

Hurricane noise suddenly fills the house. The Holy Spirit spreads like wildfire. The believers begin shouting out strange languages, And a bewildered assorted crowd gathers. They are actually hearing God's great works proclaimed in their native tongue! How are these uneducated Galileans able to speak so? Hmm...

Then we delight to see the newly emboldened Peter stand up. He raises his voice above the din, and begins the first proclamation of the Good News. Further reading reveals that the church is being birthed as 3,000 souls are added the to bodyl 

Wow, who is going to forget that service? You gotta love God's thrilling ways! He is so out of our neat, controlled, orderly boxes. We love You, Lord.

Drawing Straws?

They might have all been thinking, "He's gone. Jesus is really gone. What in the world do we do?" (Acts 1:9-26)  It seems that Peter went to the scripture to find out more about God's plan. And they all went to prayer and waiting - like Jesus had said.

Soon Peter is emboldened to stand up in front of the 120 devout praying folks and proclaim that all that had happened with Jesus and Judas was just as the scripture had foretold. (Really that betrayal must have been a terrible blow.) So Peter says that another must take Judas' place. (Psalm 109:8) 

In short, it was time to move on. So the folks came up with the names of two men who had been through it all. But how to choose? Well, they prayed and "they they drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles." (The Message)

How's that for faith! I love it.

The Grace to Wait

It was His last command. His parting instruction. It was paramount: "Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised..." (Acts 1:1-6)

Jesus, Himself, had already learned to wait. We probably would have thought He was ready when He got to His full stature. In fact it sounded like He had the wisdom at 12: "All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers". (Luke 2:47)  

But He did not begin at 12 or 18 or 21. He was 30 years old. Years of suffering and oppression had gone by for His people. But Jesus had waited. He waited until the Father said it was time. ("I have come down from heaven not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." John 6:30).

We so need to learn to wait. We run ahead. We run around. We get a good idea and go with it. But is it from our Lord? 

Lord give us the grace to wait - to wait upon You. Then we will be in the right place to receive Your promises as the first disciples were: "but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

The Only Way

How easy it is to fall back into old ways - our comfortable habits! After the life-changing death and resurrection of their friend Jesus, the disciples were waiting. The group had only seen Him twice, and finally Peter says, "I am going fishing."

So six of them climb into a boat with Peter, anticipating getting something done. Being productive. Doing what they knew. Enough of this waiting around. 

But "that night they caught nothing". And as dawn is breaking upon their tired, bleary eyes, a stranger calls out on the beach to try the other side of the boat. So O.K. they toss that net out one more time. Whoa - 153 fish suddenly flop in. It is so full and heavy that they can't haul it into the boat.

Suddenly John recognizes the beach stranger as the love of his life, and tells Peter, "It is the Lord". Peter jumps in and swims break-neck to his Friend. 

Assembling on the beach they realize that life has changed, after all. Their old independent ways will not work. Being with Jesus, following Jesus, doing what Jesus says is now what really matters. He has already explained that can happen through the gift of the Spirit. It is now the worthwhile way. The only way.

They are indeed forever changed. And I am forever changed. Thank you Jesus.

Replying to Jesus

Have you ever been as low as Thomas? It had been a horrific weekend for the friends. The Hope for them and their whole country had been ripped apart - murdered. There was no where else to go. So Thomas had left. (John 20:24-31)

And now these guys were actually saying their Jesus had shown up - alive. But he knew better. He was not going to be duped again. No matter who it was. He replied: "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."

Whew. And does it not blow you mind that Jesus graciously obliged and came again - just for him (and us)? As He reached out His scarred hands and pierced side, He urged Thomas and us all to believe. But then Jesus went even farther and spoke to you and me: "Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."

"My Lord and my God!" was Thomas' reply. Let it be ours also.

Peace Be With You

My, were they scared! The weekend had been unthinkable. Out the of blue, Friday night the attack had come. Thankfully they had all escaped - but the One. And this Jesus, their strong invincible leader, had been arrested, beaten, mocked, scourged, humiliated, and killed. (John 20:19-22)

What to think! Some women even said His body that they had put in the tomb was now missing. But on this Sunday evening "when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews", something happened. Everything changed!

"Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, 'Peace be with you."' What a surprise! They must have thought it too good to be true, because He showed them all His hands and His side. "The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord."

But to make sure they heard it clearly, He says it again, "Peace be to you". John goes on to say Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit". 

In the presence of Jesus there is peace. We will receive it when we are open to it.

Lord, help us to stay in Your presence and peace today.

When He Calls My Name

I love the Resurrection Story! You can just revel in the power of a Christ who conquered death one Sunday morning.

But in the John account, love steals the show. (John 20:1-18)  And because Mary (thinking Jesus is lost) is so grieved and crying, the first recorded words of the Resurrected Christ are, "Woman, why are you weeping?" Tender words. Compassionate words. Love.

I would have said, "Look at Me. I've conquered sin and death and there is no reason to cry." 

But Jesus. Jesus comes beside her, where she is and says, "Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Then He listens to her ( "Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, 'Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.")  and makes everything clear in a word. He calls her name: "Mary."

That one word, most precious to her, draws her gaze to Him. And the light of recognition floods her. He had only called her name. 

O Lord, let us hear you calling us today. May we recognize and run to You - like Mary did. 

"But He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To Him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out." John 10:2-3

He Understands

Jesus was intent on fulfilling the Word on the cross. John said, "After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture......". (John 19:16-30}

But there was one more thing. One thing so vital that all the torture and pain and separation from His Father could not erase it. All the immensity of His mission and nearness of the victory could not deny it. One thing that so clearly and simply decried His humanity. He said, "I am thirsty." 

Why would the "Water of Life" and the One who offered the well-woman "streams of living water" focus on thirst? It has to be that the One whose God-ness shone through all His actions was also authentically human. He even usually called Himself the Son of Man. And only after He received the liquid to His lips did He say, "It is finished".

Jesus is truly one of us! He feels and knows and understands. 

Lord, thank You for coming and becoming like us. Thank you that You understand.

Who's In Charge?

It was looking like fear reigned. Pilate said he was in charge and could decide if Jesus lived or died. But the ruling Jews had given their verdict of death and "when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid." (John 19:1-16)

The religious leaders were so afraid because if Jesus kept up the truth, they might lose their exalted place. So these priests had whipped the crowd into a fearful frenzy of condemnation, calling for cruxifiction. 

But the reality is that still, as humble, bloody and pitiful as He looked, our Lord reigned. Jesus was just fulfilling each step of plan laid out before the world was created. Fear and the enemy were walking right into their total defeat. At the cross sin and death were conquered. And now nothing is left to keep us from God's love. (Romans 8:38-39)

Praise His name. 

"If You Are ..."

I have been wondering how hard it might have been for Jesus to accept who He was as He was growing up. I noticed that Satan's temptations began and ended with "If you are the Son of God". (Luke 4) Jesus had to accept a totally unique amazing reality - like none of the other boys or people that existed. It was a lonely "Yes" to being the Son of God and the King of kings. But He embraced it.

In John 18:28-40 Jesus answers Pitate: "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth."

It is often hard for us to say that lonely "Yes". To really believe and act out of who we are. To remember how a precious, dearly loved daughter of the King of kings would respond in this situation. 

Lord, You know how hard it is. Help us to remember and live out of the truth of being Abba's child. 

Like A Child

It's the last really long night for Jesus.Thinking he's captured Him, evil starts bearing down on our Lord. But now Jesus starts to shine. John 18:12-27

The High Priest is drilling in accusations and questions. And as the night wears on Jesus simply replies that all His teachings were in the open. Why don't they ask those who heard them? 

Suddenly one huffy officer slaps our Lord for speaking straight to the High Priest. Jesus' answer just melts me with it's childlike sincerity and innocence: "If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?"

Jesus said we are to become "innocents as doves". (Matthew 10:16)  Even with all evil attacking Him, His humility and trust never once reared up in ugly defense. His childlike trust in His Abba is so beautiful.

Lord make us more and more beautiful as we take your hand and trust in you as Abba.

One Strong Man

Jesus is no pushover. His strength is clear in every encounter. Those coming for Him in the garden were depending on a betrayer to breach any defense. (John 18:1-11). Judas is mentioned three times in these verses as that betrayer.

The attackers were also depending on the cover of night. Being quite fearful, they had grabbed lanterns and torches and weapons for more security.

But then Jesus approached them and asked, "Whom do you seek?" Such courage was only met with an evasive "Jesus, the Nazarene" instead of "You". 

However the most wonderful proof of our Lord's power and strength is seen as He replies "I am He."  John records that they (the attackers) "drew back and fell to the ground." What a humbling scene of confusion and fear! Nothing and no one can stand before our Lord and Savior unless He allows it.

I love having a Friend, Savior, big Brother, Bridegroom, and Lover this strong. I love having this Risen Christ with me always. Matthew 28:20

Thank you Lord for the mighty gift of Your Presence.

The Source of Joy

So Jesus says I'm ready: "Father, it's time. Display the bright splendor of your Son so the Son in turn may show your bright splendor." (The Message) He's speaking His last words and final prayer for His brothers in faith. The words are deep and rich in love. (John 17:1-17)

But then we hear Him praying these words so that they might have His joy: 'I'm saying these things in the world's hearing so my people can experience My joy completed in them." Remember He is facing torture and crucifixion. What joy are we talking about?

In John 15:10-11, Jesus refers to that joy transfer also. And it seems to flow from abiding in the Father's love. 

Sure, that is the source of joy! I am loved! Knowing that fully and being reminded by Jesus' words and His sacrifice for me does fill me with joy like a fountain.

Let's pray as Paul did, "and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God". (Ephesians 3:19)

The Place of Peace

When we listen to Jesus' words we are drawn. Even when it's a warning, we know it is love. Jesus said to His followers:  "Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." John 16:22-23

His aim becomes clear when He says, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." I get one little part of that: "In Me you may have peace". It is like all these trying circumstances can press us further into Jesus - the place of peace. 

And that is the good news and hope for evil days. Difficult times can turn out to be the best thing (how He works all things for good) as they press us close to His heart. Continuing to hear the beating of our Lover's heart can be nothing other that an unimaginable place of peace. 

Lord, help us to relax in a storm as You take us into Your arms and hold us close to Your secure heart of love,

A Joy Trip

Only God can satisfactorily change grief to joy. Only He can transport us from the groveling depths of heartache to the dizzying heights of "too good to be true". Sometimes the trip seems agonizingly slow. But often the speed will take your breath away.

In either case our destination is secure if we stick with Him because He promised: "you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy". John 16:2-22  So I'm thinking it would be wise to stop hoping that we will "get back to normal". We are on a Joy Trip.  

In this part of John, Jesus is speaking particularly of the advantage of His departure so that the Holy Spirit can come. So often a leaving is accompanied by a grieving. 

But as we let Him pry our fingers off ("Jesus said to her, 'Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'" John 20:17),  we are freed to receive His next gift. And it is likely accompanied by joy that lasts:"Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you."

Lord, help us to relax grief-clenched fists. May we let go in anticipation of knowing You and receiving your next gracious gift. 

A Friend's Warning

Let's skip all this stuff about the world hating me. (John 15:15-16:1) I like the idea of being a peacemaker. But ....  it does seem like peace is only a part of the picture.

And Jesus' words do sound like a promise: "But since I picked you to live on God's terms and no longer on the world's terms, the world is going to hate you". (The Message)

Why would a servant like me get better treatment from the world than her master (Jesus)? Jesus says that the world will act hatefully because they don't know the Father.  

Maybe He is now warning us because: "I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father." And also because "I've told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you'll be well-warned and ready for them."

Yes, Jesus is a true friend. Even though I tend to think a child of the King (me) should have comforts galore, I realized there is a war going on - the spiritual kind. And the King has sent the more than sufficient comfort of the Holy Spirit with His word of truth. We will not be caught off guard or surprised - resulting in a nasty fall.

Thank you Lord for Your loving warnings. Help us to listen up and be saved.

Real Love

We get to thinking love is warm, fuzzy, gushy feelings. Sometimes it is! But Jesus shows us dependable love: "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:14-31)

Jesus repeats this plea five sentences later: "He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." Wow! This time He even promises to show us revelations about Himself.

But it comes again two sentences later: "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words". This time we get the promise that He will move in with us!

It sounds like a real lover listens to his beloved and thinks often about what he says. 

Lord, help us treasure Your word up in our heart and seek You consistently about how to put it into practice. 

The Key of Belief

It's time for the final appeal to His friends. Last words always seem important, and these sure are! Jesus grounds this last last plea in our most critical need: "believe in God, believe also in Me" and "believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me". (John 14:1-14)

Jesus goes on to say that on this foundation they could go on to do greater works than He had, ask God for anything, be assured of real life, keep His commandments and keep His word. 

It's sort of like Jesus planted seed in so many fields while on earth, that as long as His followers kept believing, they would reap harvests that ended up being greater than His own. He was going to the Father so the Holy Spirit could come and do mighty things through them - and us. 

The key is: "Do we believe?"

His "Mama Heart"

The inviting delightful warmth of Jesus is so evident at the end. At their last meal, John (probably the youngest) is actually leaning on Him. He's so close he could hear Jesus' heartbeat. John's known from this time forward as "the disciple Jesus loved".

In fact the others even now ask John to get the inside info on what Jesus is talking about. (John 13:18-45) Who could possibly be this in house betrayer? When Jesus answers that and Judas leaves to do his dirty work, Jesus goes on to address the family in "mother language".

 "Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.'" These tender words preface Jesus' parting plea for them to love one another: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." Hmm...  Can you can just hear a Mama heart pouring out before leaving?

Lord, help us to know Your love. Only that supports us as we pour out to others.

The Washing

I am so like Peter. He just can't imagine his wonderful teacher, friend, and Holy One of God (John 6:69) washing his crusty, calloused, smelly feet. (John 13:1-17)

But Jesus says, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."  Whoa.....  That is unthinkable. So Peter says wash away.

Peter will see later, along with us, that the real washing Jesus offers is that sin- stain removal cycle. However, sometimes I want to protect those pet prides and comfortable closet sins. I'll hang onto smelly independence and crusty "I'll figure it out myself". No washing needed here, thank you!

But then what about the cross? Would I want Jesus' awe-full sacrifice to be in vain for me?

Lord, please forgive and wash me clean by Your blood. And while we're at it, I'll let others wash my dirty feet also - as I wash theirs. "Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed." (James 5:16)

P.S. Jesus even adds at the end: 'If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them."

A Dad's Delight

We are so hard on ourselves. One of our "last year" granddaughters is learning to walk. The other night I noticed that she was teetering from one support to another. She'd go from coffee table to couch and back - often leaning with a big stretch to the next hand-hold.

But in me, I get impatient and frustrated when I see that I am again trusting in that person or this diet or that work to be a saving grace. I notice - because it fails and I fall.

But we're not impatient with Kate as she holds on. Even though it sure limits where she can go now, one of these days she'll be sure-footed and confident enough to toddle into Dad's arms on her own. And what a rejoicing that will be! And she will do it because she's focused on that familiar, smiling face and that "You can do it!"

In the same way Jesus loves us and is delighted in our faltering steps. He isn't frustrated with us because we're still hanging onto other supports - depending on other things or people. He knows that He'll keep calling and that one of these days we will let go and toddle into his smiling triumphant embrace. Jesus says, "If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world." John 12:27-50

Lord, thank you for Your patience and continued delight in us as we learn to walk - with You.

We're On His Mind

We can so easily dismiss Jesus. His suffering couldn't have been that bad. After all He was - really is God. Hmmm...  But we forget He was fully human. A good example is the first verse in John 12:27-43.

"Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour."  It is clear that His coming betrayal, rejection, beating, taking on all sin, separation from the Father, and death are bearing down on Him.

But it's what Jesus does when He's suffering and troubled that's important. He now turns and says, "Father; glorify Your name." And don't you love it that God answers back - audibly.

However, it's Jesus final statement in this conversation that is so surprising. We get to overhear an intimate and beautiful exchange between Father and Son as they anticipate the greatest trial of His life - actually in all history.

And what are they thinking of? Its the people around them - and also us. "This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes."

You gotta love this Man who consistently has you on His mind. His love is infinitely more than we can imagine. 

Lord, thanks seems so small a word. We love You.

Wasted?

Jesus has six days left before the big trial, so He goes back to the Bethany retreat house. And this place is overflowing with gratefulness. The sister Martha serves supper, newly resurrected Lazarus reclines at the table, and Mary - well she's acting strange. She takes a whole pound of this amazingly expensive perfume and pours it out on Jesus' feet. As she wipes the oil-crusted feet with her hair, the whole house is shocked by the sweet smell. (John 11:45 - 12:8)

Greedy Judas can't keep quiet and blasts her for not using that $50,000 for the poor. But Jesus says: "Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me."

They all probably wonder what He's talking about. But we can see that Mary is the only one who gets to anoint Jesus' body for burial. His death is imminent. And the other women who came on Sunday morning are too late. He's alive!

So this grateful Mary's "waste" is showing our Lord honor and love in a way no one else can. We all have a unique opportunity to love and honor Him. Let's do it today!

Remove the Stone

The scene was set. Everyone around had gathered - though half-blinded with tears of grief. There was only one obstacle. A huge rock covered Lazarus' grave. And Jesus left removing that up to them. (John 11:28-44)

"Remove the stone," He cried. But wait! The sister says, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Can you believe it? She's blocking Jesus doing His wonderful work for a smell!

But isn't that us? We're afraid to remove our masks, shells, hard rocks because we might stink, be distasteful, look ugly and needy. And Jesus says, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”  When He calls us to remove our masks and shells, we can expect just that - the glory of God. It may just be to say, "I need help" or "Pray for me" or "I was wrong, please forgive me". But when we obey, the result then and now is new life. 

So Jesus can say, "Ouida or ______ or _______ come forth". And out from a dark, impotent, decaying existence, we step into the light of life.

Lord, help us to be obedient and remove the stones of pride, fear of others, and unbelief. We want new life in You,

Love's Heartbeat

It had to be obvious to all how much Jesus loved His friends at the Bethany retreat house. So the sisters sent an urgent message to Him that the beloved brother, Lazarus, was sick - very sick. They expected that Jesus would hurry on over. Is there a more puzzling two verses than these: "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was." John 11:1-27

And this hard-to-understand response allowed Lazarus' death, terrible grief and disappointment in the beloved sisters and friends, and grievous tears from Jesus Himself. So what could be worth all that pain?

A clue may be found in Jesus explanation to His friends: "“Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe". Hmmm.... These disciples had seen many miracles and heard much truth. But the coming turn around (Lazarus' resurrection) was going to be faith strengthening - life changing. 

Evidently having our faith strengthened is worth more than we realize. It is worth pain and suffering because belief is the key to life - real life. "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.'"

Lord hold us steady through necessary waves of pain and suffering. Hold us close enough to hear Your heartbeat. It only sounds like "love-love, love-love, love-love".

Love's Voice

What fun it is to see how well "love" hears. At 2 days old our new granddaughter would perk up and become "on alert" when she heard her mother across the room. Her still puffy face and eyes did not work as well as whose ears did. When the "desired" was heard, she became like a radar scanner focusing all her 7 lb. energy on that familiar comforting Mama voice. 

How our God wants us to hear Him! Jesus said, 'My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand." (John 10:19-42)

The new baby knows and hears her Mama's voice because she has lived so very near it for 9 months. She has been fed, hugged, protected, and had all needs met in that safe environment. And Mama has learned to love, sacrifice for, and take care of her even before she sees her. It is a wonderful plan when accomplished in love. 

So even though we can't see God, we can be all ears for His prompting, word, Holy Spirit. We can reject the enemy's lies and competing banter. We can desire and delight in His voice - whatever way He chooses to speak.  "How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!" (Psalm 89:15)

Lord, I want pure delight in hearing You today. Please forgive me for allowing so much distraction - so much focus on the grumbling, fearful, proud noise. May I catch throughout this day your sweet call of love.

The Door to Life

In all this world of shifting sand, toppling standards, hollow-voiced leaders, there is a secure place. Jesus makes it plain: "I am the door , if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and find pasture." ( John 10:1-18)

In this safe place place we can rest, enjoy freedom from fear, and have all the provision we need. Sounds mighty good. David experienced this place in Psalm 34:4: "I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears."

Can you imagine what it would be like - total freedom from fear? Freedom from lie-enslavement to the enemy who "comes only to steal and kill and destroy."  As Psalm 34 declares, God goes about this emancipation as we continue to seek Him. 

Jesus already paid the price: "I am the good shepherd; The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." If we will only keep returning to God and not distractions, we will have the great reward: "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

Thank you, Jesus, for becoming the door to life!

True Worship

Who would have thought that this unnamed beggar would get the good news? (John 9:18-41) But Jesus made a point of seeking him out. It was after the poor guy had been kicked out of the Jewish church. But instead of having to figure out where to go, Jesus came to him.

And then this former dirty beggar got the chance of a lifetime. He probably thought he already had it made as Jesus had transformed him from a blind beggar into a courageous sight-filled witness.

But now is when Jesus popped the question: “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” After Jesus revealed that the recent healing and the current truth were both from Him - the Son of Man, the unnamed but unquestionably grateful man exclaimed, "Lord, I believe."

Then this pure, heartfelt statement of faith had its inevitable result: "And he worshiped Him." How wonderful! For a change God receives grateful childlike worship instead of the vain empty tradition of the religious leaders. 

Lord, may our experience and testimony result in this same beautiful, true worship.

"...and the time is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him." John 4:23

A Messy Healing

A mother tries to avoid these things - spit and dirt.  And the combination - mud - has to be the bane of country living. 

But Jesus. He can turn this kind of mess into health and new life. He sure did that with the blind man in John 9:1-17. He smeared the mud on the guy's eyes and after a clean up, a new world of sight was his. 

The disciples just thought of this man (or his parents) as sinners,  justly deserving a curse like blindness. But Jesus is motivated by compassion and is thinking of the opportunity: "so that the works of God might be displayed in him".  Also emphasizing the truth that He is the light of the world, Jesus proceeded to creatively give light to the blind man. And this blind man who used to beg had a new life.

Lord, thank you that you use a mess to make new life. Do it in us!

The Touch

Jesus is on a mission. He says,"for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me." (John 8:39-59)  Sadly, His people do not understand. They can not really hear Him through their preconceived idea of a Messiah. But He is still the One sent to them.

We are sent people. Matthew records the Great Commission as Jesus' last words: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..."   So we are to go in His authority and in His power. (Acts 1:8)

It's likely some will not understand the love and good news we have to share. But to those God is calling and who are ready to hear, we have the opportunity to give life!

What a thrilling prospect. Oh Lord, today put someone in my path that is reaching out - for You. Help me take that next step and be Your touch. 

Free Indeed!

Only Jesus can free. We've tried so many other plans. Good programs. Well thought out opportunities - as if money and better looks and wiser actions can make all the difference.

In John 8:26-38 Jesus says to His followers, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” In other words, “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.” (The Message) 

What a glorious thought to be free from the lies of the enemy. Free from old self- destructive habits. Free from negative, bitter, "poor me" thinking. Free to really live the moments of life today that He has given us.

"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." Lord, help us to open up to Your truth and freedom.

No Condemnation

Can we believe Jesus? It's what he said to the woman caught "in the very act" of adultery: "And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either.” (John 8:1-20) 

The Pharisees thought they had pulled together their big triumph over Jesus. (Who cares about that woman.) But their self righteous hypocrisy became their undoing: "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her". 

And Jesus cared about the woman. She had called Him Lord. So He said, "Go. From now on sin no more." In other words, "You are free".

And Jesus cares about us. Oh, to learn the truth that condemnation (especially in our own heads) is from the enemy! "Therefore no condemnation now exists for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)  So self condemnation (You messed up again. You are one big failure.) is a lie from the Father of Lies. The enemy condemns, the Spirit convicts to lead to change - big difference. 

When we give ourselves to Jesus as Lord, we are adopted into His family -  His sisters and brothers. That makes us free in Him. Let's live today in that reality. No condemnation!

The Light of Life

I love light. The house we are in now has crazy windows all over the place! In John 8:1-20 Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Most all of God's creation is drawn to light. Warm fires, dawn, sunshine, smiles seem to brighten our days. The light of Jesus must be the most desirable. The Message version words it, "I am the world's Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in."

Light is necessary for growth. Even though God's light may reveal some ugly places in our lives, we need His light and truth so the uglies can be addressed and redeemed. We can move on and grow.

Let's warm up to the light of our Lord and His word today. No matter where we've been, we can trust Him to encourage us. (Just as he did the woman caught in the act of adultery with "Neither do I condemn you".)

Living in this light of His causes us to glow also: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." (Isaiah 60:1)

Need a Drink?

He's getting to the end of His time here. So on the last great day of the week long "campout" feast, Jesus stands up and cries out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." (John 7:32-52)

Those who understood Him heard "come" and "drink" to mean "keep coming to Me and keep drinking". It is not a "one shot" deal or even a once a day deal. It is a continual looking to and receiving of the life-critical nourishment of grace that He wants to pour out to us. And every single problem, disturbing thought, or reason to praise is our signal to come.

What is the result of this consistent nourishment? "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” We are not talking a dribble, or stream or even a river of life. We are talking rivers of living water that will come from us. This must surely be the abundant life!

And as Jesus details: "But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive;".

Lord, remind us to keep coming to You this day. We are thirsty and so need Your Spirit and life giving drink. We look forward to being rivers of life to others. 

Fitting In

Jesus did not fit. He did not have the "right" education to suit the religious leaders. And what about those radical healings on the Sabbath - of all times! Even the crowd complained He came from a poor, lowly place and family. He sure did not seem like a Messiah to save anybody.

So Jesus told them: "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:10-31)

In our world Jesus does not fit. He doesn't lead us down paths we expect. He doesn't use people that we would have picked. He even seems to show up in the most awful looking situations and people.

" Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

Righteous judgment seems to be based on love. A much bigger, deeper and purer love than I tend to carry around. And when you think about it:  How can an all-powerful, all- knowing, and infinitely loving God fit into my perspective?

Lord, open our eyes to expect bigger, better, "too good to be true" from You.

Leaving or Cleaving?

What can cause us to turn away from Christ? The disciples found out in John 6:53-7:9.

Jesus had spoken what was impossible and distasteful in the natural: "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves." So these guys were offended and began full of doubt grumbling: "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?”

Jesus wondered at His followers. Even His flesh and blood brothers rejected and ridiculed Him in verses 3-4. And Jesus warned that belief would be even more challenging when He left. So He speaks the crowning and comforting word: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life."

God's truth is understood through His Spirit. We can't figure it out own our on. All our best intentions won't keep us close to Him and believing. 

Lord, we look to you for amazing grace through Your Spirit to cause us to cleave to You and never leave.